A 50p piece minted in 2023 quickly became the item to watch on eBay after it initiated a bidding frenzy. The coin is not only one of the early pieces bearing the depiction of King Charles III but also stands out with its bold Atlantic salmon design on the reverse.
It’s currently the most scarce 50p in circulation, with a mere 200,000 pieces minted – surpassing the rarity of even the famous 2009 Kew Gardens 50p. A seller hit an unexpected jackpot recently by putting their coin online, starting at just 99p but after 18 bidders battled it out, the price skyrocketed to a final staggering selling point of £112 plus another £3.49 for postage.
Upon the coin’s release into public hands this year, Rebecca Morgan from The Royal Mint commented on the significance, saying: “The releasing of mintage figures is an eagerly anticipated event among the coin collecting community.”
The Atlantic Salmon 50p which can be worth a fortune
(Image: Royal Mint/PA Wire)
“This year is particularly exciting as we reveal the Atlantic Salmon as the rarest 50p in circulation. For the first time in 15 years, the highly collectable Kew Gardens 50p loses its top spot as the rarest in circulation with the Atlantic Salmon 50p splashing its way to number one.”
“2023 marked pivotal changes for the nation’s coinage, including the introduction of coins celebrating King Charles III’s coronation entering circulation. Finding these special designs, like the Atlantic Salmon, in your change is a win for all collectors.”, reports the Liverpool Echo.